Escalating violence in the Middle East has disrupted Nigerian pilgrimage plans and triggered distress calls from citizens living and working in the region.
The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission has announced the immediate suspension of all pilgrimages to Israel, citing the worsening security situation and the state of emergency declared by Israeli authorities. Executive Secretary Bishop Stephen Adegbite said the decision covers both government organised and privately arranged trips until conditions improve.
He explained that the safety and welfare of pilgrims remain the top priority and urged intending pilgrims and operators to exercise patience while the Commission closely monitors developments. The suspension came shortly after the conclusion of the 2025 Main Pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan, during which over 4,000 pilgrims were successfully airlifted, with the last batch arriving Lagos on March 3.
Adegbite appealed to Nigerians to pray for peace in Jerusalem and the wider Middle East, stressing that normal pilgrimage activities will resume only when international travel to Israel is considered safe again.
At the same time, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has confirmed receiving distress enquiries from Nigerians in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Iran, who are worried about the escalating conflict. Its spokesman, Abdur Rahman Balogun, said many people are asking about possible evacuation plans if the crisis worsens.
He assured them that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies, is tracking the situation and will act to ensure that no Nigerian life is put at risk. Nigerians abroad were advised to follow official travel advisories, keep in touch with Nigerian missions, and use emergency contact numbers provided.
The conflict has also affected aviation and travel, with altered flight schedules and cancellations leaving some Nigerians stranded in Dubai, Qatar and other locations, and impacting airport revenues in Nigeria. Aviation experts expressed hope that peace would return soon so that normal travel, religious tours and commercial activities can resume.
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